How to Get Rid of HPV Genital Warts

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In women, genital warts can appear on, inside or outside the vulva, vagina or anus, as well as on the cervix. In men, they may be seen on the penis, scrotum, inside or outside the anus, groin and thighs

Most conventional physicians usually prescribe topical medications to bring patients relief; however, take note that these can have severe side effects

Instead of immediately resorting to the conventional treatments, you can first opt for holistic remedies to eliminate genital warts and give you relief

Most human papillomavirus (HPV) types are typically harmless, and in the majority of people, they go away (usually within two years) without causing any symptoms. However, there are instances when the virus can cause warts to form.

Most common HPV warts go away without treatment, especially in children.1 They usually cause minimal discomfort as well. However, there are HPV types that cause genital warts. These warts are usually brought on by HPV types 6 and 11,2 and can become itchy, uncomfortable and painful.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like and Where Do They Appear?

It can be hard to identify HPV genital warts, as sometimes they can be too small for the naked eye. When visible, they are either the same color as the infected person’s skin or a bit darker, and you can have either just one wart or they can grow in clusters. In addition, genital warts can look like a cauliflower, feeling bumpy to the touch. On the other hand, some warts feel smooth.

In women, genital warts can appear on, inside or outside the vulva, vagina or anus, as well as on the cervix. In men, they may be seen on the penis, scrotum, inside or outside the anus, groin and thighs. Having oral sex may also cause the warts to grow in the mouth, particularly on the tongue, lips and/or throat.3

Conventional Treatment for HPV Genital Warts

Because they can lead to discomfort over time, many people often seek help to get rid of genital warts. Most conventional physicians usually prescribe topical medications to bring patients relief; however, take note that these can have severe side effects. Some topical pharmaceutical examples include:4

• Imiquimod (Zyclara, Aldara). This drug is said to improve your immune system’s ability to fight off the infection. Take note that it may cause skin redness, rashes, body aches, cough, blisters and fatigue. Sexual intercourse while using this cream is also ill-advised, as it can cause diaphragms and condoms to weaken, and may cause irritation on your partner’s skin.

• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This topical remedy can cause itching, burning, skin irritation and pain, which should not be surprising, as it works by burning off the genital warts.

• Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox). They contain the same active compound, which works to kill genital wart tissue. However, podophyllin should only be applied by a physician, while podofilox can be self-administered at home (but your physician will typically apply the first dose). It’s not advisable to use podofilox while pregnant. These medications may also cause sores, irritation and pain.

Another conventional way to get rid of HPV genital warts is through surgical procedures, such as cryotherapy or laser treatments. However, these are typically recommended as a last resort, and only for certain circumstances, such as when the warts are too big, do not respond to medications and other treatments, or if you are pregnant, and your child may become exposed to the warts.

Try These Natural Treatment Options Instead

Instead of immediately resorting to the conventional treatments above, you can first opt for holistic remedies to eliminate genital warts and give you relief. Try these options:5

• Tea tree oil (TTO) — It may help eliminate genital warts, as it’s been found to be useful against fungi and other organisms. Apply diluted TTO (preferably mix one drop of oil with one or two drops of a carrier oil like coconut oil) on a cotton ball and then press over the wart.

Take note that there are people with allergies to tea tree oil, so it’s best to do a skin patch test prior to use. It may also leave a burning sensation, as it works to reduce the size of the wart. If TTO causes too much irritation, stop using it.

• Green tea — According to a study published in the American Family Physician journal,6 a prescription ointment made from green tea may be effective against genital warts. However, you can simply buy a high-quality green tea extract, mix it with a drop or two of coconut oil, and then spread it over the warts.

• Garlic — Considering its wide array of medicinal uses, it’s no surprise that garlic may have the potential to clear up genital warts. You can purchase garlic extract that can be readily applied to the warts, or you can simply soak a gauze pad in a mixture of coconut oil and fresh garlic, and then press it over the warts.

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) — The acidic ingredients in this product may help kill off HPV. Soak a Q-tip or cotton ball in ACV and then wipe all over the warts.

A Healthy Diet May Also Help Banish Genital Warts

A wholesome and well-balanced diet plays a significant role in any type of disease, and this includes HPV. In particular, make sure you get your fill of crunchy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, as they contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which can help eliminate the warts. Four to five servings of these vegetables is the ideal amount. Other foods you should eat include:

Antioxidant-rich foods like bell peppers, squash, tomatoes, and fruits like cherries and blueberries (but in moderation)

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.